BigBand Intros 4th-Gen Solution

ATLANTA -- BigBand Networks, Inc., a leading provider of broadband multimedia infrastructure for video, voice and data, today launched release 4.5 of BigBand Switched Broadcast. This release is designed to leverage open standards and protocols in order to provide cable operators with greater choice among interoperable components from multiple vendors when deploying the solution. This is also the first iteration to switch HDTV programming and to comply with emerging protocols being developed with major cable operators for functions like channel change and mini carousel. Release 4.5 follows release 4.4, which is currently being used in multiple commercial launches of switched broadcast, and two earlier releases which were used in pilot deployments of the technology dating back to 2002.

To accelerate and enhance switched broadcast adoption, BigBand Networks engages in technical collaborations based on standards-based interfaces between components. These include client software work with Aptiv Digital, Inc. and itaas, Inc. Interoperability efforts for version 4.5 of BigBand Switched Broadcast are underway with more than five set-top box client programs, which would enable compatibility with the majority of digital cable subscribers. At the National Show of the NCTA (National Cable & Telecommunications Association), BigBand Networks is demonstrating BigBand Switched Broadcast with multicasting based on IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) at its booth, # 2252. Additionally, itaas is demonstrating its integration with BigBand Switched Broadcast at its booth, #1036.

“With release 4.5, BigBand Networks continues providing timely switched broadcast solutions to the cable industry through innovative development combined with emphasis on solution flexibility leveraging open technologies like IGMP and functional protocols on which we have collaborated with major cable operators,” said John Connelly, BigBand Networks’ executive vice president of marketing and business development. “We are committed to accelerating cable industry advancement through innovations like switching HDTV, as further illustrated by collaboration on BigBand Switched Broadcast enhancements with companies like Aptiv Digital and itaas for greater choice in conditional access systems and subscriber devices.”

BigBand Networks Inc. (Nasdaq: BBND)